There was no immediate word on the cameraman's whereabouts, the AP adds.

Even before word of the defection, the large Iranian delegation had drawn notice. Many members were spotted stocking up at cost-conscious stores like Costco, Walgreens and Payless shoes, New York's Daily News reported.

Iran is facing increasingly tough international sanctions over its nuclear program, and the punitive measures have contributed to high inflation and a rapidly depreciating currency.